IMessage User Demands 'Optimize Storage' Option To Manage Cache More Efficiently

Illustration of the iMessage feature from Apple (photo:.x @soren_iverson)

JAKARTA - IMessage users highlight the need for an "Optimize Storage" option to better manage the app cache. Although iCloud already provides a similar feature for iCloud Photos, which allows users to only locally download the latest photos and videos, iMessage still uses a charging system that is considered less efficient.

iMessage, available on various Apple platforms such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, sync messages between users via iCloud. Although messages are stored on iCloud, local files on the device are not automatically deleted. This results in iMessage consuming a lot of local storage space, even if the medium is actually available on iCloud and is only downloaded when needed.

The current feature allows users to delete messages after 30 days or 1 year, but this will permanently delete messages from all devices, not just local versions on iPhones or Macs. The request for the "Optimize Storage" option aims for iMessage to only store the latest chats and media offline, similar to existing settings for iCloud Photos.

Users also want greater flexibility in managing and deleting system caches. This request arises because some users experience limited storage space when trying to download software updates, even though all messages are already stored in iCloud.

Apple is expected to respond immediately to this request to improve the user experience of iMessage with smarter options in managing cache and local storage space.